About Implant Dentistry at Our Alexandria Area Practice

The position of teeth in one’s mouth is not static.  In fact, teeth are in a constant state of motion and as a consequence, when a tooth is lost the neighboring teeth begin to collapse into the space left behind.  This shifting and drifting of teeth can lead to additional tooth loss, crowding of teeth, and negatively alter your bite relationship.  Therefore, we feel it is incumbent upon us at Lake District Family Dentistry to stress the importance of replacing missing teeth to our patients.  When considering tooth replacement options, we whole-heartedly recommend dental implants.  Undergoing implant dentistry in our Alexandria practice means a better solution than the removable dentures and dental bridges of the past. In fact, dental implants will address both the esthetic issues and dental health issues associated with missing teeth. The dentists of Lake District Family Dentistry are proud to offer dental implants to their patients given how effective and life-changing they can be.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. These special titanium posts are surgically implanted into the jawbone and gum tissue of a patient. Once the bone and gum tissue have fused around the dental implants, they can anchor a dental crown, a dental bridge, partial dentures or full dentures in place as if they were natural teeth.

The Dental Implants Process

Implant dentistry involves multiple steps that must be completed before the final product can be fully functional and enjoyed by our patients.  In general, the first step is a consultation to determine the best treatment option for you.  Next is the oral surgery to place the dental implant or implants.  This is followed by a period of healing known as osseointegration, which takes approximately 3 months and will ensure the dental implants are completely integrated into the structure of your mouth.  Once this is complete, the final dental restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) is anchored onto the implant(s).

Dental Problems That Dental Implants Can Solve

There are plenty of reasons why you should get dental implants. The most obvious reasons would be to fill in gaps left behind from loss of natural teeth and enhancing and improving your smile.  Additionally, the dentists at Lake District Family Dentistry have implemented dental implants to anchor and stabilize full and partial dentures in many of our patients who were previously frustrating with the loose and floppy nature of traditional dentures.  Finally, dental implants can prevent common dental health problems associated with missing teeth, such as loss of bone density, gum recession, and gradual tooth misalignment.

Candidates for Dental Implants

The best candidates for dental implants are people who have no medical conditions that might prevent them from undergoing oral surgery and have good general dental health. It is important that dental implant patients have sufficient bone density and gum tissue in the area of the missing tooth. In some cases, patients may need to undergo bone grafting or gum augmentation in order to build up the necessary bone density and gum tissue to receive dental implants.

Learn More About Dental Implants in Alexandria

If you are missing a tooth or several teeth and are interested in implant dentistry, it is important that you speak with the team at Lake District Family Dentistry. Our team will be able to assess and evaluate your situation and determine if implant dentistry is the right option to meet your particular needs.  To schedule an appointment with the dentists of Lake District Family Dentistry, contact our Central Louisiana practice for dental implants today.